Onda Latina

The KUT Longhorn Radio Network Presents: Mexican American Experience Collection

Audio recordings including interviews, music, and informational programs related to the Mexican American community and their concerns in the series "The Mexican American Experience" and "A esta hora conversamos" from the Longhorn Radio Network, 1976-1982.

The Chicana Professional

Martha Cotera addressed her work as a librarian, a historian, a community organizer, a Chicana feminist, and as a political activist. She discusses her work with the International Women’s Year (IWY) National Conference, bring working-class and Chicana concerns to the table. She also discussed the role of the Mexican American Professional Business Women of Austin (MAPBWA) in Austin.

Cotera is a Texas Delegate to the IWY national conference, in which women from throughout the U.S. will gather to discuss and draft resolutions on the needs of American Women. Before the conference, Chicanas are planning to meet to discuss which resolutions address the needs of the Chicano community so they can advocate for them at the meeting. Cotera explains that many of the resolutions from southwestern states center on issues of affirmative action and employment under, as well as issues surrounding undocumented women workers and families.

Cotera also discusses some of the problems Chicanas face in the feminist movement, including classism and racism. Cotera belives that while white feminists are trying hard to overcome racism, they ignore their classism which associates minorities with poverty. Moreover, she has found that more elite feminists often fails to seek Chicana input during the planning stages of events or conferences.

Cotera then talks about her book Diosa y Hembra, the need to develop curriculum that includes the voices of Chicanos and Chicanas, and her upcoming book projects. Gloria Contreras encouraged her to discuss the changes MAPBWA wrought in city politics in Austin, the organization’s participation with other Latina women’s political advocacy organizations, and the larger goals of each organization.